Genetic Images

Karl Sims' piece entitled Genetic Images is a piece where participants choose one of sixteen images that are generated by a genetics algorithm. Participants choose their favorite by standing in front of it. Then the program shows them new images formed from their selection. This continues, and ultimately the program combines the images as if they were genes to create new images. The program also keeps track of favorite images that are chosen by participants. In this work we can see popular preferences or preferred traits that were popular when the piece was going on. This piece reminds me of a newer version of this type of art by Scott Draves called Electric Sheep.


Shanken, page 151.